Valve tool



May 10,1927. wg@A E. c. COOLEY VALVE TOOL Filed May 13, 1925 A, Z7 10g, q@ m p x Z7 Y@ will L .OcL ZZ@ f aw 12 m 105 llm{""' 12b l 5g 6' /NVENTOR EDWAIRD C. COOLEY By 6. M

ATTORNEY.

Patented May l0, i927.

tilviipl STATES EDWARD C. COOLEY, OF ELGN, ILLINOIS.

VALVE TOOL.

Application filed May 13, 1925.

My invention relates to an improved construction ot valve tool for repairing valves ot the kind ordinarily employed with pneumatic tires used for bicycles, automobiles and other purposes. By my invention I provide a tool adapted to perform all of the operations required in repairing valves of the kind reierred to, by making the tool in several parts that vviil screw together in desired arrangements, these parts being made so that when the parts are all screwed together, they form a straight cylindrical tool or a size that may be conveniently held in the hand oit the user and conveniently carried in the pocket, the complete tool being oit relatively elnall diameter and Without projecting parts ot any kind that interfere with the ready use of the tool or that could injure the hands of the user.

More specifically, I provide on the several parts ot the tool a die for cleaning the threads on the outer surface ot a valve stem, a tap for cleaning the threads on the inner surface of thevalve stem, a socket Wrench for removing the valve core from the stem, and a tapered threaded member for removing the small valve sleeve and Wire ot the valve core from the stem in case the parts oit' the valve core become jammed in the valve stem. I am aware that various devices have been proposed heretofore for accomplishing these results, but as tar as I am aivare none ol these earlier' constructions have been made in a manner equivalent to the construction ot the present device, nor have they far as I am aware, the superior advantages ot my present device. By my construction, the socket Wrench arrangement is provided with an external tubular guide loosely fitting the outer surface oi the valve stem` which I iind is a. material aid in centering the tool on the stem and holding it in axial alinement with the stem While engagement is being effected between the Wrench portion and the projecting keys on the valve sleeve Within the stem, this relation also serving to retain the parts in engagement during the removing operation so that a proper engagement is had at all times between the slots in the Wrench and the keys projecting from the valve sleeve. This further results in the possibility of conveniently and positively locating the wrench on the valve stem.r even though the illumination of the valve stem is so poor that it oamiotbe distinctly seen` On account Serial No. 29,865.

of the central Wire ot the valve core projecting slightly i'rom the valve stem, where it necessary to enter the Wrench portion of similar devices heretofore used, into the valve stem Without any guiding devices, correct location et the Wrench in the stem is ditlicult, particularly Where the valve stem is not Well enough lighted to be clearly seen. With my improved construction all that is required is to locate the tubular guide on the end of the valve stem, this relation being conveniently effected even il the stem canliot be seen, after which the Wrench portion \vill effect proper engagement with the sleeve ot the valve core Without `l'urther care on the part of the operator. A i'r'urther important :feat-ure et my construction is the provision of an improved means for removingthe small valve sleeve and wire with the attached parts, if for any reason they are so stuck in the stem that the socket wrench cannot remove them, or if the Wire is stuck in the stem so that it breaks away from its usual connection With the removable valve sleeve. This improved construction consists of a tapered threaded member, the point of Which is small enough to enter the bore in the removable valve sleeve, left-hand threads being Jiormed on the tapered end or this member so that by a lett-hand turning movement, with the member entered in the valve sleeve, the member will tightly engage the removable sleeve and a turnng movement in the direction to tighten it in the sleeve will turn the sleeve a direction removing it from the inner threads of the valve stem. More than this, said tapered member is provided with a small groove in its threaded surface of a depth slightly less than the diameter of the Wire of the valve core. This groove receives the Wire oit the valve core when the member is turned into engagement with the bore of the removable sleeve so that the Wire is tightly clamped between the member and the sleeve by the operation oit rotating the member in a left-hand direction to nnscrew the sleeve trom the valve stem. Thus when the sleeve is removed, the Wire comes With it and also the parts connected With the Wire, and in this manner the entire valve core may be positively removed even it the sleeve is tightly stuck in the valve stem or the parts oi the valve core become separated trom' each other. as frequently occurs. Furthermore, as pointed out, by making my improved device in sections threaded together, the complete device is of substantially the size ot' a tool handle` it is readily held in the hand of the operator for effective use, regardless of the partieular part of the tool that is to be used.y no projecting parts Whatever are employed that can interfere with the turning movement ot the tool in the hand of the user, and although the complete tool is no longer than an ordinary tool handle. no mattel` what part of the tool it is desired to use, one or morevof the remaining parts or sections of the complete device are always available as part of the handle to effectively use the desired part of the tool, Without in any way interfering with the turning of the tool in the hand of the user. aifordin(Y the user at all times a positive hold or gr1p on the tool and without in any case presenting any sharp or rough end surfaces that might engage the hand of the user and injure it.

My invention will best be understtxid by reference to the accompanying drawings showing a preferred embodiment thereof in Which- Fig. 1 shows my complete device in side elevation y Fig. 2 is a` left-hand end view parts shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a right-hand end vieuv of the parts shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a. longitudinal sectional view of the parts shown in Fig. 1 in separated relation, the central one of the parts being shown partly in side elevation;

Fig. is a longitudinal sectional view to an enlarged scale of the relation of the socket wrench portion of the tool when in use on a valve stem;

Fig. (i shows in a view similar to Fig. 5 the Wire and sleeve removing member in use on a valve; and

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the sleeve removing member and parts engaged thereby (flaring a, sleeve removing operation. to a further enlarged scale, this view being taken along the line 7 7 in Fig. G.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the severa-l views.

As shown in Fig. 1, my device consists of three cylindrical parts 10, 11 and 12, each being nurled preferably on its outer surface to provide firm engagement with the fingers of the user, these parts having substantially the relation to each other indicated in Fig. 1 when they are screwed together.

A s shown in Fig. 4, the portion 1() is provided with right-hand threads in its outer end as indicated at 10, these threads being of the' saine size and pitch as the threads on the outer surface of valve stems of the kind under consideration. The end of this threaded portion is provided with slots 1()h for receiving dirt and chips when the of the threaded portion 10a is screwed on a valve stem. The portion 10 may be made of tool steel and hardened, or the threads may be hardened in any other suitable manner so that they eti'ecthf'ely operate as a clean die when screwed onto the external threat on the end ol a valve stem iritei'idedto rc ceive the valve cap. The other end oiI the part .l0 is provided with similar threads l0" for screwing the part 1() onto one end or the other as desired of the part 11, for which reason either the threads 10 or the threads 10 may be screwed onto either end of the part 11. The part 10 either may be made :from solid stock and bored to receive the screw threads referred te, or 'it may if preferred be made from an iron or steel tube, the only preference being that the threads 10L he hardened in one way or another so that they will stand up when repeatedly used as a cleaning die. It is further important that the part 10 he hollouv so as to receive one or the other of the projecting axial members ot the part 11.

The part 11 consists of a cylindrical rod of iron or steel, which is preferably shorter than the part 10, this part being turned down at its ends and provided with external threads 11l and 11b of a size to lit the threads 10a and 10C so that these parts may be screwed together in any relation desired. In one of the ends of the part 11, a member 13 is secured, this member consisting of a cylindrical rod7 preferably ot' steel that may be` hardened and having a tapered outer end provided With left-hand threads 14, the end of the tapered portion being of small enough diameter to readily enter the bore of a valve sleeve as indicated in Fig. 6. The threaded portion of the member 13 is provided with clearance groove 15 for a purpose to be described. The inner end of the member 13 is preferably slightly tapered so that said member may be tightly held in the part 1l .in a corresponding bore, by forcing the member 13 tightly into the bore. A transverse hole 11c is preferably formed in the part 11 in line With the inner end of the member 13 so that the member 13 may be removed from the part 11 by driving a Wedge into the hole 11u against the end ef the member 13. On account of the tapered con'- struction of the inner end of the member 13, as soon as it is started outwardly from the position indicated in Fig. 4, it is loose in the part 1l and may readily be removed'so as to be replaced by a similar member, if for any reason it becomes damaged or worn. The other end of the part 11 carries an eX- tending threaded portion 16 having right hand tap threads on its louter surface, of a size and pitch corresponding with the internal threads of valve stems of the kind under consideration, thus adapting the part 16 to act as a cleaning tap for cleaning and straightening the threads in the inside ot a valve stem to facilitate removing the parts of the valve core or inserting a new core in an old valve stein. T he tap 1G may be integral with the part 11 or may be inserted as desired, the oni),y preference being that it shall be oit iron or steel oit such composition that it can be hardened in one way or anotherI to insure that the tap threads will stand up under repeated use referred to.

The part 12 is provided in its outer end with `a bore 122L ot' slightly larger diameter than the outside diameter ot theexternal threads of va ve stems of the hind under consideration. Axially disposed in the bore 12, a wrench member 17 is provided, said member being either an integral part of the portion 12 or inserted therein as desired so thatits outer endis substantially flush with the outer end ot the part 12. The member 17 is ot a diameter to clear the inner threads of valve stems oit the kind under consideration, and this member is provided with a bore 17a et a diameter to clear the wires oi valve cores of the hind Aunder consideration. rIheend of this member is provided with opposite slots orkeyways 17", 17h for engaging corresponding lreys pro]l ecting `from removable valve sleeves ot the kind under consideration. It is desirable that the member 17 shall be of iron or steel that can be hardened in one way ory another so that its slotted wrench portion may not be injured by repeated us The other end of t-he part 12 is provided with a bore 12", the outer end of which is threaded as indicated at 12c with threads of the same size and pitch as the threads 10ZL and 10C, the bore 12b being of sufficient length to clear either the member 13 or the tap member 16 as desired, so that either end ot the part 11 may be screwed into the part .12, it the use et the tool indin cates that the part 12 should preferably be employed as a part ot the handle When either end ott-he part 11 is in use Ato perform its intended purpose.

From the above description, it will appear that the only part or" the device having pro- `iecting tool portions, is the part 11, and that the tool portions projecting from this part are in alinement with each other and project only axially from the part 11; it will also appear that the socket wrench construction described, besides providing a positive eX- ternal guide, greatly facilitating the placing of the wrench in proper position in a valve stem, also serves as ar shield for the wrench portion ot' the part 12, so that the Wrench portion does not project beyond the end of the part 12, thus insuring that the wrench portion can do no injury to the hand ot the user and can oder no annoyance to the user when the part 12 is used as a part ot they i handle in operating either of the tools carried by the part 11; also that when the parts o1 the tool are screwed together, all of the tool parts. are. completely enclosed land protected so that they cannot be injured, lor example by dropping the tool or hitting it accidentally with other objects.

It will further appear from the above description, that while either the part 1() or the part 12 may be used as a handle portion on either end ot the part 11, when the tool is in its completely closed condition, the tool portion on either the part 10 or the part 12 is instantly available for use without any separation of the parts, and that but a single separation is required to use either of the tool portions carried by the part 11, the only operation required t use either ot' the tool portions of the part 11 being in effect the removing` of a protecting cap, since the parte and 12 serve as protecting caps for the tool portions carried by the part 11, but with the added advantage that each protecting cap also carries a tool portion `tor accomplishing one of the indicated purposes ot the device.

In Fig. 5 I illustrate somewhat conventionally a valve stem and valve core ot the kind under consideration. A valve stem is shown at 18 having external threads 18n ttor receiving a closing cap and internal threads 18b for receiving the removable sleeve 19 of the valve core. A valve wire 20 extends through the sleeve 19 to form a convenient means for loosening the valve member 21 if it becomes stuck for any reason, and for retaining the valve spring 22 in proper relation to the valve member 21 so that the inner parts of the valve construction constitute a complete assembly that may readily be inserted or removed from the stem 18 as a unit, assuming that the parte are not tightly stuck in the stem. For any such latter condition, the socket wrench portion of my device may be employed as indicated in Fig. 5 to remove the sleeve 19 and associated parts, since under normal conditions the wire is retained in the relation indicated by' slight projections on its ends. In this operation of removing the valve parts or core, each of the projecting keys 19a of the sleeve 19 is engaged by one ot' the slots 17b of the wrench, member 17, so that the sleeve may be unscrewed from the stem and a new core inserted in the same manner. The relation of the parts indicated in Fig. 5 clearly illustrates the manner in which the end ot the part 12 and the bore 12"' therein serve as a guide for centering the wrench portion 17 in the stem 18. In some cases however, the parts of the valve core become so stuck in the stem 18, that in attempting to remove the sleeve 19 by means ot the wrench 17r` the keys 19 are sheared or broken from the sleeve 19, or under other conditions although the sleeve 19 may be unscrewed by the wrench 17, other parts et' the core are so stuck in the stem 18 that the outer projection formed on the Wire 20- Will not remove the inner parts of the valve core, with the result that the wire 20 and associate parts remain behind inthe stem 18,.

making it extremely diiiicult to remove the wire 2() and remaining parts oi the valve core. In such cases, the operation indicated in F ig. 6 is resorted to. As shown in this ligure the member 13 is turned tightly into engagement with the' bore of the removable sleeve 19, with the wire 20 in the groove 15 in said member. The eli'ect of left-hand rotation of themember 1Z-`isv to screw the member 13 into the sleeve 19 in the same direction required to remove the sleeve 19 from the stem 18. This results in tightly clamping the Wire 20 betweenV the member 13 and the sleeve 19 as indicated in Fig. 7, and continued rotation in ay left-hand direction serves tov remove not only the sleeve 19, but also the wire 2() and the parts of the valve core attached thereto, after which the inner threads of the sleeve 18 may be cleaned by the tap member 16 and a new valve core may be inserted in the sleeve.

While I have shown my invention in the particular embodiment above described, it

will be understood that I do not limit myselt` to this exact construction as I may employ equivalents known to the art at the time of the filing of thisI application Without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a valve tool, the combination of a plurality of cylindrical parts screwed together in axial alinement with each other and serving together to form a straight handle of convenient size to fit the hand of the user and Wholly contained Within the cylindrical boundary thereof, an interme` diate one of said parts having threaded axial extensions comprising at one end a tap for cleaning the internal threads of a valve stem and at the other end of said part a. tapered member provided with left-hand threads for removing a `valve core from a valve stem, and the end ones of said parts each having at one end a bore for receiving one of said extensions in threaded engagement and provided at its other end with other valve repair devices contained within the cylindrical boundaries and lengths thereof yoil: said end parts, said other valve repair devices comprising a die for cleaningr the external threads of a valve stein and a socket wrench for removing a valve core from a valve stem.

2. In a valve tool, the combination of a plurality of cylindrical parts screwed together in axial alinoment with each other and serving together to form al straight handle of convenient size to lit the hand of the user and Wholly contained Within the cylindrical boundary thereof, an intermediate one of said parts having threaded axial extensions comprising at: one end a tap for cleaning the internal threads of a valve stem and at the other endl of said part a tapered member provided with left-hand threads for removing a valve core from a" valve stein, and the end ones of said parts each having at one end a bore for receiving one ot' said extensions in threaded engagement and provided at its otherend with other valve repair devices contained' Within the cylindrical boundaries and lengths thereof of said end parts.

3. In a valve tool,` the combination of a plurality of cylindrical parts screwed together in axial alinement with each other and serving together to form a straight handle of convenient size to fit the hand oi' the user and wholly containedl Within the cylindrical boundary thereof, an intermediate one oi said parts having threaded axial' extensions comprising at one end a tap i'or cleaning the internal threads of a valve stein and at the other end of said part a tapered member provided with left-hand threads for removing a valve core from a valve stern, and the end ones of said parts each havin f at one end a bore for receiving one of said' extensions in threaded engagement and provided at its other end with other valve repair devices contained Within the cylindrical boundaries and lengths thereof of said end parts, said end parts interchangeably fitting the threaded extensions of said intermediate part.

' 4. In a valve tool of the class providing tool members, the combination of a tapI for cleaning the internal' threads of a valve stem, a die forcleaning the external threads of a valve stem, and a wrench for removing a valve core from a valve stem,v a straight cylindrical handle consisting of a plurality of parts having end-threa ed engagement, one of said parts having saidrtap extending axially therefrom, `and another of said parts having a bore for receiving said tap and provided with said Wrench, said tool members being Wholly contained Within the cylindric'al boundary of said handle for the closed condition of said tool.

`5. In a valve tool of the class providing tool member, the combination of a tap for cleaning the internal threads of a. valve stem, a die for cleaning the external threads of a valve stem and a Wrench for removing a valve core from a valve stem, a straight `cylindrical handle consisting of a plurality of parts having end threaded engagement, one of said parts having said tap extending axially therefrom, and another of said parts having a bore for receiving said tap and provided with said Wrench, said tool members being wholly contained Within the cylindrical boundary of said handle' for the sie ill

.infr therefrom a tapered member Closed condition of said tool, the end of the part around said Wrench forming a tubular guide therefor around the external 'threads ot a valve stemrvvhen said Wrench is in use.

G. ln a valve tool of the Class providing tool members, the eomliination of a tap tor cleaning the internal threads ot a valve stem, a die for cleaning the external, threads of a valve stem and a Wrench for removing a valve core from a valve stem, a s ight cylindrical handle consisting` of a plurali tv of parts having end threaded engagement, one of said parts having,` said tap eritendine axially therefrom, and another of said parts having a `bore for receiving said tap and provided with said wrench, and a third one of said parts having at one end a die i'or cleaningI the external threads of a valve stem, said tool members being Wholly contained within the cylindrical boundary of said handle for the closed condition or said tool.

7. ln a valve tool of the class providing tool members, the combination of a tap for cleaning the internal. threads ot a valve stem, a die for cleaning the external threads of a valve stein and a Wrench for removing` a valve core from a valve stem, a straight cylindrical handle consisting ol a plurality ol parts having end threaded enl:ragen:Lent, s d parts carrying` said tool members on their ends, said tool members being, Whollyv contained Within the cylindrical boundaijT of said handle for the closed condition of said tool.

8. In a valve tool of the class providing tool men'ibers, the combination of a tap for cleaningA the internal threads of a valve stem, a die for cleaningl the external threads of a valve stein and a Wrench i'or reino 'ing a valve core Vfrom a valve stem, a straight cylindrical handle consistin` of plurali@Y of parte having end threaded engagement, said parts carrying` said tool members on their ends, id tool members being Wholly Contained Within the cylindrical boinidaij,Y olT said handle tor the closed condition of said tool, one of said parte having extend'- havingq lett-hand threads for removing a valve core from a valve stem and contained in another of said parts for the closed Condition of said tool.

9. In a valve tool of the class tool members, the combination of a tap for cleaningthe internal threads of a valve stem, a die for cleaning` the external threads of a valve stem and a Wrench :tor removing a valve core from a valve stem, a straight cylindrical handle consisting of a plurality or' parts having end threaded engagement, said parts carrying said tool members on their ends, said tool members being` Whollj.' contained Wit-hin the cylindrical boundar;7 of said handle for the closed condition of said tool, one of said parts having extendproviding ing; therefrom a tapered member having` le ",-hand threads vfor removing a valve fiore from a valv em and contained in another of said pa' Jfor the closed eonditnm ol said tool, said tapered member havingl a longitudinal groove in its thm d surlfnei-x for receivinf" the wire o'il a valve core and Clamping d Wire between sani izeinber and the sleeve oif the vere darin, the ren'ioval et the latter from a valv l0. .in a valve tool oit the eins.) Vproviding tool members, the combination ol a tap for Cleaning 'the internal threads ol' :i valve stem, a die ttor eleanirig;` the ,i ernal threads oi a valve stem. and a .vrei'ich :vor remo a valve core i'roni a valve stem, a al cylindrical hamlie consistinl;I et a pinralit'u.v of parts havingl end threaded engagement, said parts carrying said tool members on their ends, said tool members being Wholly contained 'within the cylindrical bounchir),Y ofi said handle for the closed condition of Said tool, one oi said parte havingl extending therefrom a tapered member having;` left-hand threads 'for removing' a valve core from a valve .stein and contained in another of said `parts for the Closed condition of said tool, said tapered member having tapered engagement With the part carrying it and said latter part hai/'ing a trai'isverse opening through it adjacent the inner end of said tapered member to facilitate removing said tapered 'member from the part carrying it.

ll. ln a valve tool, a socket wrench for removing a valve core from a valve stein comprising` the combination olf a simporting` part, a tubular extension carried by said part and having a smooth bore loosely titting over the external threads or' a valve stem, and a rod carried b v said part in the bore of said tubular extension and coaxial therewith and or' a diameter Yto enter a valve stem and clear the inner threads thereor, said rod having a bore to clear the Wire ot a valve core and havingI alined slots eX- tending diametricallv across its outer end to engage. the lrelvs on the sleeve of a valve core, the outer ends or said tubular eXtension and said rod being substantiall)7 in the same plane.

12. In a valve tool, a socket Wrench for removing a valve core from a valve stem comprisingthe combination of a supporting part, a tubular extension carried by said part and having a smooth bore looselgv litting` over the external threads of a valve stem, a rod ca ed b v said part in the bore or said tubular extension and coaxial therewith and of a diameter to enter a valve 12a stem and clear the inner threads thereof, said rod having' a bore to clear the vvire or a valve core and having` alined slots extendinzg` diametrically across its outer end to engage the lreys on the sleeve or' a valve core,

the outer ends of said tubular extension :md smid rod being substantially in the same plane, n second supporting part, and a tapered memberextending therefrom provided ywith left-hand threads for entering the sleeve of a. valve core to remove the sumo from :1 valve stem, sind frst part havmg a More for receiving said mombefr when not in use?, :mid parts having threaded engagement: with euch other.

EDWARD C. COOLEY. 

